Nestled in the scenic Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the Pindari Glacier Trek beckons adventurers with its breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the opportunity to immerse in the wonders of nature up close. This trek is renowned for its moderate difficulty level, catering to both seasoned trekkers and novices alike.
Available dates for 2024
May - 26 | June - 2, 9, 16, 23 | September - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | October - 6, 13, 20, 27 |
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Table Of Contents
5N/6D Itinerary [Total 46 Km Trekking]
Day 1: Arrival in Kathgodam and Drive to Khati Village
Arrive at Kathgodam railway station and meet your trek leader.
Embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Kumaon region, passing through charming towns and villages.
Reach Khati Village, the starting point of your trek, and settle into your accommodation.
Day 2: Trek from Khati to Dwali (11 km)
Begin your trek with a gradual ascent through lush forests, encountering diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Reach Dwali, a small village nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, and spend the night in a cozy campsite.
Day 3: Trek from Dwali to Phurkiya (7 km)
Continue your ascent through dense forests, passing through picturesque streams and waterfalls.
Arrive at Phurkiya, a picturesque village surrounded by majestic mountains, and set up your campsite for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Phurkiya to Zero Point (17 km) and Return to Dwali
Embark on a challenging ascent to Zero Point, the closest point to the Pindari Glacier.
Be rewarded with panoramic views of the glacier, surrounding peaks, and the vast expanse of the Himalayas.
Descend back to Dwali for the night.
Day 5: Trek from Dwali to Khati (11 km)
Enjoy a leisurely descent back to Khati, reliving the memories of your trek and the stunning scenery.
Day 6: Return Drive to Kathgodam
Drive back to Kathgodam, bidding farewell to the majestic Himalayas and the unforgettable memories of your Pindari Glacier Trek.
Inclusions:
Accommodation in campsites or guesthouses (shared)
Vegetarian meals
Experienced trek leader
Transportation from Kathgodam to Khati and back
Necessary trekking equipment (portage service available)
Exclusions:
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Tips for guides and porters
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Why You Shouldn't Miss the Pindari Glacier Trek
The Pindari Glacier trek is an exciting adventure located in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. It’s a favorite for trekkers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned hikers, due to its beautiful landscapes and relatively accessible route. The glacier lies within the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and serves as the source of the Pindar River, which later joins the Alaknanda River at Karanprayag.
During the trek, you’ll witness the southern side of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, with remarkable views of famous peaks like Maiktoli and Panwali Dwar. Additionally, the Kafni Glacier is situated close by, and both glacier treks follow the same path up to a point.
The Pindari Glacier trek offers a diverse range of scenery, from blooming forests to green meadows and majestic valleys. At an altitude of 3,660 meters, this glacier is more accessible than many others, making it a suitable challenge for anyone looking to experience a Himalayan trek. The breathtaking views at the summit, including the towering Nanda Devi peak, will make the effort worthwhile.
Trek Overview
Your journey to Pindari Glacier begins at Kharkia, a small village about 100 kilometers from Bageshwar. The trek takes you through scenic villages like Dwali and Phurkia before reaching the glacier’s highest point, located at an elevation of 12,300 feet.
The trek starts with a short walk to the village of Khati, where you’ll enjoy the sight of blooming rhododendrons and distant views of peaks like Nandabaner, Nandakot, and Lapsadhura. Though the area is remote, there is limited mobile network coverage available in some places.
The next day, you’ll head toward Dwali, a longer trek that requires preparation due to unpredictable weather. You’ll also pass through areas prone to landslides, with occasional glimpses of the nearby Kafni Valley.
From Dwali, a shorter trek will lead you to Phurkia, where you’ll walk alongside the flowing Pindar River. If the skies are clear, you’ll be able to see mountains such as Mt. Nandakhatt and Nanda Devi. You might also spot Himalayan wildlife like ibex, and there’s a chance you’ll cross a frozen stream.
The following day, you’ll reach the summit at 12,300 feet, where you can marvel at the beauty of Mt. Nanda Khat and other towering peaks such as Mt. Bauljuri and Mt. Changuch. After spending some time enjoying the scenery, you’ll return to Phurkia for the night.
The descent starts the next day, retracing your steps to Khati via Dwali. From Khati, you’ll trek back to Kharkia, and then drive to Kathgodam, bringing your adventure to a close.
What to Expect During the Trek
Although the Pindari Glacier trek is long, it’s considered easier than other glacier treks, with a moderate difficulty level. You’ll encounter some narrow paths and landslide-prone areas, particularly between Khati and Phurkia. The glacier itself is approximately 3.2 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. The best time to attempt this trek is between mid-April and November, though the monsoon season should be avoided due to landslides.
During April and May, daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to between 7°C and 2°C. From September to November, the days are cooler, with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, and nights can be quite cold, sometimes dropping to -5°C.
The trek offers well-marked trails, starting with gentle walks through rhododendron forests before moving on to steeper sections involving mountain ridges and stream crossings. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages where you can learn about the local culture and the traditional way of life in the Himalayas.
Certified mountaineering trek leaders will accompany you to ensure a smooth journey, especially in more challenging areas. With a deep understanding of the terrain, local guides will provide insight into the region and its environment. Safety is a priority, and all trek leaders are trained in wilderness first aid, giving you peace of mind throughout the trek.
We also arrange comfortable transportation from Kathgodam to Khati and back. A cook accompanies the trek to prepare delicious local dishes, and you’ll stay in cozy tents at night, typically sharing with one other person in a three-person tent.
As the weather can change quickly in high-altitude areas, we recommend dressing in layers so that you’re ready for anything the trek may throw at you.
Ideal Time to Explore the Pindari Glacier
For an optimal experience, plan your Pindari Glacier Trek during the summer months from May to June or the post-monsoon period from September to October. These seasons offer favorable weather conditions for trekking, presenting clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
Handy Tips for the Pindari Glacier Trek
Pack essential trekking gear like sturdy shoes, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and ample water.
Gradually acclimate yourself to the altitude to ward off altitude sickness.
Adhere to your trek guide's directives and prioritize safety throughout the expedition.
FAQs
1. How challenging is the Pindari Glacier Trek?
The Pindari Glacier Trek is graded as moderately challenging, with trekkers ascending to an altitude of 12,000 feet.
2. How can one reach the Pindari Glacier from Delhi?
To reach the Lohajung base camp, the trek's starting point, travelers can board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and then proceed with a road journey to the base camp.
3. What is the Pindari Glacier renowned for?
The Pindari Glacier is celebrated for its 90 km round trip trek, typically completed over a span of 6 days. Additionally, it is known for offering adventure sports like ice climbing and mountain biking.
4. What are the dimensions of the Pindari Glacier?
The Pindari Glacier spans over 3.2 km in length and 1.5 km in breadth, showcasing the natural allure of the region.
5. When is the best time to visit the Pindari Glacier?
The prime time to explore the Pindari Glacier is during the summer months from May to June and the post-monsoon season from September to October, promising ideal weather conditions for trekking.
Embark on the enchanting journey of the Pindari Glacier Trek and witness the pristine beauty of the Himalayas like never before.
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